“Paul was a highly dedicated employee,” City Manager Kent Myers said of Oestreich, who joined the police force in 1975 and rose through the ranks to become chief in 1999. “His professionalism, integrity, and total dedication to the City of Fredericksburg will be sorely missed.”

Although co-workers knew he was ill, they were hard hit by his death at 10:30 a.m. at the Life Care Hospital.

“They were hoping it was going to work,” city spokeswoman Juli Bahlinger said of the transplant. “At this point, I think everybody is kind of reeling.”

Lt. Steve Wetz, who was named acting chief when Oestreich went on leave last October, said funeral arrangements are pending.

Oestreich was a Fredericksburg native. His father, Allen Oestreich, was the city's long-time public works director.

In police circles, Oestreich was seen as devoted to his hometown.

“Paul knew and understood the community of Fredericksburg, and he knew what the community expected,” said former Boerne Police Chief Gary Miller, currently chief deputy in Kendall County. “His death is going to be a big loss there. He was definitely a good friend.”